Review of "Hug Me"

Hug Me is a picture book for small children. Elliot Kravitz
is a porcupine who wants a hug, but nobody wants to hug him. He
tries to get people to like him, but they will not come close.
He tries hugging parking meters and traffic lights, but that simply
does not satisfy his needs. Poor Elliot. Eventually he finds someone
who will hug him, and he is at last happy.

Hug Me has the makings of a classic. The illustrations
are done in hand sketches with computer added color, and they
are charming. The book deals with loneliness, wanting to fit in,
and rejection, but in a light-hearted way. It might be helpful
for some children who are a little prickly themselves, and even
for children who feel different from their peers. The book provides
assurance that they can someone who will understand them and take
the time to see their needs. But most of it, it is a sweet and
fun book to read.